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Frequency

Frequency (2000)

Apr 28, 2000 1h 58m Science Fiction Thriller

When a rare phenomenon gives police officer John Sullivan the chance to speak to his father, 30 years in the past, he takes the opportunity to prevent his dad's tragic death. After his actions inadvertently give rise to a series of brutal murders he and his father must find a way to fix the consequences of altering time.

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Directed by Gregory Hoblit

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Gregory Hoblit
Writer
  • Toby Emmerich
Producer
  • Gregory Hoblit
  • Toby Emmerich
  • Bill Carraro
  • Hawk Koch

Reviews

The Movie Mob
8/10

**Overall : A murder mystery with a creative sci-fi time-bending spin that is fresh, compelling, and thrilling!**

Another movie on the list of greatest movies you probably never heard of, Frequency innovates the typical murder thriller with characters working across time to catch a prolific serial killer that killed someone they loved. Frequency skillfully builds the tension throughout, starting as a warm story of family and turning into a thrilling hunt using evidence and crime reports in the future to stop a killer before he kills a loved one in the past. Frequency's themes of family, loyalty, maturity, and hope elevate this film from a clever crime thriller to an extraordinary story with rich character development, high stakes, and an innovative plot.

Aug 19, 2022

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Thematic Analysis

As a science fiction narrative, Frequency explores potential technological and societal futures, raising important questions about humanity's place in the universe and our evolutionary trajectory. The film stands apart from other sci-fi works by presenting a vision that is both thought-provoking and visually distinctive.

Director Gregory Hoblit brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 2000, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Frequency took approximately 31 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • With a budget of $31.0 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 118 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 168 minutes long.
  • The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
  • The film contains approximately 1734 individual shots.
  • Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.

Historical Context

  • In 2000, when this film is released:
  • Digital technology was disrupting traditional media and entertainment.
  • The September 11 attacks changed global security and politics.
  • Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.

How This Film Stands Out

While Frequency shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike The Empire Strikes Back, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Frequency subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones and Traffic explore similar territory, Frequency stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: April 28, 2000
  • Runtime: 1h 58m
  • Budget: $31,000,000
  • Revenue: $68,106,245